Vegetarian Stir-Fry with Tofu, Bell Peppers, and Sesame

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A colorful stir-fry featuring crispy tofu cubes, sweet bell peppers, and a fragrant sesame-soy glaze. This asian fusion-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs sliced diagonally green onions, sesame oil, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 14 oz extra firm tofu into 1-inch cubes. Toss the tofu cubes gently with 2 tsp cornstarch to coat evenly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crisp. Remove tofu from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp grated ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 large sliced red bell pepper, 1 large sliced yellow bell pepper, and 3 sliced green onions to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, and 3 tbsp water. Pour the sauce into the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Return the tofu to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the sauce. Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the stir-fry and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Vegetarian Stir-Fry with Tofu, Bell Peppers, and Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Vegetarian Stir-Fry with Tofu, Bell Peppers, and Sesame?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep sesame oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vegetarian Stir-Fry with Tofu, Bell Peppers, and Sesame?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Vegetarian Stir-Fry with Tofu, Bell Peppers, and Sesame for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Vegetarian Stir-Fry with Tofu, Bell Peppers, and Sesame vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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